Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania
defamation of character
During a sermon in church, the priest stated to the congration that I was a liar.In his sermon ,he did not elaborate as to why he made this statement only that in a converstation with him I stated that I liked him..The only thing that comes to mind is that a few weeks earlier in a conversation with him, I told him that I liked him as a person. Subsequently, I did not attend his services for two weeks. During this time, this priest harassed my son by phone and by driving to his college campus to meet him - a three hour drive. My son refused to meet him. ( I think this issue is relevant because the next sunday is when he made the statement.) Also, I had no contact with the priest nor did I speak to anyone about him during these two weeks. I do not understand why he made this statement.I cannot speak to him without fear of retribution or action that he as a priest says he can take within the church. I feel that I was unfairly treated. I am an officer of this church as well as a life long member. Do I have any rights or recourse to stop this person from harming my reputation further?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: defamation of character
The law does provide for a cause of action for defamation and other claims for invasion of privacy which, if successful in court would entitle you to monetary damages. Certainly you or an attorney on your behalf can send a letter to the Priest and place him on notice and advise him to cease the defamatory comments. However, particularly in a small community, such action may have consequences which you should consider before taking any action.
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